Staff Reports
A spokesman for Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, who is widely expected to jump into next year’s race for governor, Friday explained his political committee’s lack of fundraising for September.
“In the month of September, Mayor Levine was solely focused on helping a number of communities prepare and weather Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, and therefore made a decision to pause all fundraising activities for his political committee,” said Christian Ulvert, spokesman for Levine and All About Florida, the committee.
“Following Hurricane Harvey and its impact in Houston, Mayor Levine worked with the City of Miami Beach to organize relief efforts and personally donated $10,000 to the American Red Cross,” Ulvert added. “Then, with Florida bracing for Hurricane Irma, Mayor Levine was 100-percent focused on storm preparations and post-hurricane response and recovery.
“Over the closing days of September, (he) partnered with the U.S. Conference of Mayors to aid the Florida Keys. As reported last week, he also organized and sponsored an urgent trip to Puerto Rico to deliver needed supplies and coordinated efforts with San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz and local leaders to visit the island himself.
“When others are struggling to survive massive hurricanes and rebuild their lives, it is not a time for fundraising but a time for lifesaving. True public service means the public comes first.”
As of Friday morning, campaign finance records show All About Florida posted more than $4.7 million in total contributions through Aug. 31.
